Many analysts say it’s a toss-up on which party will win control of the U.S. Senate, and that the election may not truly be decided for months. However, in battleground states — Georgia, North Carolina, Colorado and Iowa—whose election outcomes could shift power from one party to another—registered Democrats outnumber Republicans…by a large margin.

But without Barak Obama on the ballot, African Americans and other people of color, women, and youth (the majority of the Democratic base) might not understand what’s at stake in this election.

Given the absence of the excitement-creating Obama campaign machine, some also fear that interested voters may not have the stomach for long lines at the polls. To cast a ballot in some state, a voter has to set aside as much as 95 minutes on average (factoring in commuting to/from work).

For science and tech professionals, particularly African Americans, time is a scarce commodity. Thus, deciding to vote is a serious investment.

Five Reasons Why Black Techies Should Vote

So exactly what’s at stake for African American science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) pros? Here are five reasons why #BlackTechiesMustVote.

STEM funding

While funding of STEM programs should be bipartisan, STEM policies have not gotten equal treatment by both major parties. The Republican controlled U.S. House of Representatives has slashed spending for R&D education programs. In contrast, the Democratic-led Senate proposed to fully reauthorize the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act. In so doing, the Dems plan would fund many of the nation’s federal STEM programs much more generously than the Republican-led House. If Democrats maintain control of the Senate, Republicans may have more of an incentive to cut a deal that favors the Democratic STEM funding package.

Survival of US Space Industry

To understand the connection between our national interests and voting for candidates who believe in expanding the nation’s investment in developing a new generation of innovators (young and not so young alike), you need only recall the recent double disasters for the US space industry. First there was the October 28, 2014 explosion of an unmanned Orbital Sciences-built cargo spacecraft. Three days later, Virgin Galactic space-tourism craft exploded in mid-air, apparently minutes after powering on its rocket thrusters. Both accidents not only are losses to their funders, but a setback for the nation’s scientific and technological brand. This election may very well determine whether and how fast the US regains its leadership as the best in space, on all levels.

Green Energy

Do you believe pollution is damaging the environment and changing weather? Do you see green in alternative and renewable sources of energy? If so, a Republican controlled Senate may not look so good to you.

Case in point is the House-approved legislation funding the federal energy agency (DOE). Analysts credit Republicans for increasing DOE’s R&D budget to $11.8 billion, 3.2 percent above FY 2014 levels. Yet this funding is $611 million less than requested by the Obama Administration. Instead of fully funding the President’s proposals in DOE areas such as R&D, energy efficiency, and education related programs, Republicans shifted money to increasing older fossil fuel exploration. The bill also prohibits DOE funding for policy making work on the social cost of carbon or activities to slow climate change.

Expanding Universities’ Success in Transforming Research into Profitable Businesses

There is a pair of bills in the House and Senate that would create grant opportunities for university and other researchers involved in technology transfer projects to help make it easier to move federally funded research into the marketplace. This pair of bills is jointly supported by Republicans and Democrats alike. Nevertheless, a strong showing at the ballot booth among African Americans concerned about STEM-related research and development would send a message to law makers to approve and forward this legislation to the President’s desk his signature.

Can you spell D-I-V-E-R-S-I-T-Y

It has been long observed that Republicans on Capital Hill tend to hire less people of color and women. If Dems such as Mary Landreiu (D-VA), Kay Hagan D-NC), and Mark Warner (D-VA) win, then the people of color and women working for them are likely to keep their jobs, more are likely to get hired, and techies of color who advocate outside of government are more likely to get calls answered, emails returned, and resources needed to…innovate.

By now, you may have heard the predictions about the Senate being all but lost next Tuesday, Nov. 4th.But the fact is…there are more Democrats than Republicans. And if people of color and women vote…the Senate stays Blue!

What’s at stake, you might ask, in these elections —particularly for people of color and women in the science, tech, energy sectors? Well first of all, STEM funding$$$.

While STEM funding should be totally bipartisan, the fact of the matter is that the Republican controlled House of Reps have slashed spending on programs that support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). With Congress entirely controlled by Republicans, even more STEM funds are likely to get the ax.

Next, the President announced an ambitious goal to create 1 million new STEM pros by 2022. If the Senate turns Red, we are likely to see more barriers set up to achieving his goal, and thus less high-skilled workers, innovators fuel the economy.

Finally…can you spell D-I-V-E-R-S-I-T-Y. Republicans hire (and sadly help) less people of color and women. If Dems such as Mary Landreiu, Kay Hagan, and Mark Warner win, then the people of color and women working for them are likely to keep their jobs, more of us are likely to get hired, and those of us who are outside of DC are more likely to get calls answered, emails returned, and resources needed to…innovate.

So, what’s next?

Would you like to personally take action to save the Senate? Want to get involved locally with the Anthony Brown for Maryland Governor race, or the Karl Racine for DC Attorney General Campaign? Do you want to spend the weekend meeting new people, making contacts that can lead to future employment opportunities?

If YES is your answer to any of these questions, below are several ways you can get involved to Rock the Vote.

Let’s work now so we can celebrate on Election Night!

Talib I. Karim, Talib@TECRelations.com

#SavetheSENATE, #Brown4MD, #Racine4DC

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Save the Senate: Volunteer in Battle Ground States NC, LA, GA, AR, VA

Interested in making contacts with Democratic Senators, Senate candidates, and their staff? If so, email your name, number, email address, and state you wish to work to talib@tecrelations.com by 3pm Friday. Also indicate if you have a car or willing to carpool.

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Help Anthony Brown Make History as Maryland’s Next Governor: Donate, Join Friday Call, Work the Polls…select option best for you

Background: Join leaders from the science, tech and Howard University communities for an intimate conversation with supporters of Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown‎. This call is being held to raise funds to support the #Brown2014 history-making campaign for Governor.‎

Disclosures: Individuals, corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies may contribute up to $4,000 to a Maryland non-federal campaign account during each four year election cycle (Jan. 1, 2011 to Dec. 31, 2014). Contributions to political campaigns are not tax deductible. By Authority: Friends of Anthony Brown, Gerard Boden, Treasurer. Friends of Ken Ulman, Jeff Davis, Treasurer

Option 2: Work the Polls for #Brown2014

Do you want to earn some pocket money between now through the end of the elections while helping Anthony Brown become the next governor? Get out the Vote (GOTV) workers are needed from Sunday, November 1st- Tuesday, November 4th. Must be prepared to work at least three shifts.

To Sign Up: Email your Full Name (Including Middle Name), Address, Birth Date, email, and phone number to talib@tecrelations by 3pm Friday.

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Work Polls, Help for Karl Racine Become DC’s First Elected Attorney General

Wanted: 10 good people to work the polls for Karl Racine

When: Tuesday, November 4th, 7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Where: Assignments given upon signing up, must pick up supplies at Racine HQ, on Sunday between 12pm and 8pm

Son, so for the record, on August 28, 1963, when the first famous March on Washington took place, I was not yet born. In fact, your granddad Talib and grandma Linah did not meet until the summer of 1968. However, I’m told that mama Linah, a former Jet Magazine centerfold model turned activist, did attend the ’63 march and on the next day, gave birth to your uncle Tony in a Maryland hospital.

Thus, for me, the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington is not only symbolic but also sentimental. Yet, for all the progress in the last 50 years, the march is also a very real, and painfully disappointing reminder, that Dr. King’s dream…remains…just that, a dream.

True, we have an African American President, a Harvard educated constitutional law scholar and community organizer born to an African Muslim father and Anglo American mom. And yes, Obama shares the White House with his African American wife and two teen girls, Malia and Sasha.

The Obama’s are not the only African Americans in the White House. Even though his government is not quite a mirror of the nation’s rich diversity, the President has tapped other people of color for his team.

In 1963, not only did few African Americans even dream of working in let alone living in the White House, we were also largely locked out of residing in many “White Only” neighborhoods throughout the nation. Today, with very few exceptions, the only color that matters in purchasing or renting a home is green (i.e., cash or credit).

Despite the strides in employment, education, housing and other social indexes that African Americans have made, many argue that these gains are largely superficial and that America is just shades better, if not worse than it was 50 years ago.

In the nation’s capital, both poverty and unemployment are higher today than they were in 1963, according to Marion Barry, four-time DC Mayor, who in the 60s, led the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

Also, while the US is #1 in building jails, and raising men and women to occupy them it ranks # 48 in the quality of its math and science education.

On the civil liberties front, many contend that the public enjoys less freedom today than 50 years ago. Not only is the government spying on civil rights leaders, like it was doing to Dr. King, Al Hajj Malik Shabazz and other 60s activists, but according to brave whistleblowers like Edward Snowden, the National Security Agency’s (NSA) public surveillance is sinister enough to resemble a science fiction movie, but is all perfectly legal according to the Justice Department.

Finally, the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the murder case involving the shooting of unarmed teen Trayvon Martin is proof positive that not only do Dr. King’s children live in a world that judges them more by their skin color than character, but sadly his grandchildren are also citizens of a society and world community that remains a largely race-based caste system.

As an advocate and writer, my work focuses mainly on local and national issues such as expanding our nation’s ranks of scientists and engineers or even building an environmentally sustainable (green) health center in an underdeveloped neighborhood of DC. However, as a Muslim American, my mind and heart are occasionally pulled towards international affairs.

While Dr. King was assassinated in 1968 in Memphis (in the hometown of my father, who actually served as an aide to Dr. King during the sanitation workers strike), the civil rights leader’s mind and heart were also internationally focused. A year before a sniper snuffed out King’s life, the Nobel Peace Prize winner suggested that the US was the greatest purveyor of violence in the history of mankind. Sadly, in the five decades after the March, our nation’s number one status in this category has remained intact.

Drone strikes in Afghanistan, Somalia and Yemen. Possibly instigating a civil war in Syria, that can only mean moral and financial ruin to its people. And supporting the overthrow of the democratically elected president of Egypt, who came to power in a revolution that many claim was inspired by Obama’s very own speech to the Arab people in 2009. These are among the evidence which paints a clear picture that Dr. King’s vision of racial harmony and world peace remains not only a dream…but perhaps even an illusion.

However, like my parents, I remain hopeful. I still believe in President Obama’s favorite quote from Dr. King’s writings, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

So with my head and hope bloodied but unbowed, I plan to March on Washington on August 28, 2013. And while I march, I plan to pray…prayers not only for true freedom, equality and justice, here in Washington, DC, but also in Damascus, Cairo, and everywhere throughout this world.

Son, I share Dr. King’s dream, and remain prayerful that one day our dream will become reality.

Talib I. Karim is a lawyer, political strategist, and writer of a soon to be released book: “Letters to My Son, a Father’s Lessons on Love, Law, and Science.” The writer can be contacted at talib@talibkarim.com.

District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray addressed developers, construction professionals at an event billed as a Green Building Symposium on Friday, September 14, 2012 to solicit input on plans to build a green DC to accommodate 250,000 more residents in next 20 years (courtesy/Office of Mayor Gray).

By Talib I. Karim, Health & Technology Writer

Recently, District of Columbia officials hosted a day-long symposium at Gallaudet University to discuss plans for building what they call a “Green DC” by 2032. By then, according to DC Mayor Vince Gray (D), the District’s population is expected to be near or beyond 900,000. “We are growing at a pace of 1000 per week,” noted Gray.

In 20 years, Gray has set his sight on the District becoming the healthiest, greenest, most livable place in the country. By so doing, Gray hopes that future generations of DC residents will credit his administration for thinking and planning ahead.

Gray says his vision was inspired by a Siemens report about sustainability read by the Mayor while attending a conference. After the conference, Gray recounted that he called upon his team to develop DC’s own plan for sustainability. To mark Earth Day this year, the Mayor rolled out this plan entitled A Vision for a Sustainable DC.

The symposium was a chance for the Mayor to get feedback on this vision from developers, construction companies, and other District building professionals.

According to DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Director Nicholas Majett, the event also sought to advance Mayor Gray’s plan for striking a balance between sophisticated growth and mindful conservation.

A central component of turning the Mayor’s vision into a reality is the construction of green buildings, structures that are designed and operated to reduce their impact on the community and on the health of building occupants, according to the US Green Building Council.

To stimulate the construction of green buildings, Brendan Shane, of the DC Department of the Environment, announced the plans to roll out a Green building code. This code is instrumental in helping achieve the Mayor’s goal of having the District house more than 200 green buildings by 2032, noted Shane.

The “Green Code,” will help achieve the District’s goal of bringing about a “[F]ifty percent (50%) reduction in energy consumption in 20 years,” said Shane. “By 2032, we need buildings that produce as much energy as they use…The Green Code will help us do that,” Shane added.

Shane also reviewed plans to stimulate urban agriculture where food is grown on roofs so, as he envisions, “[Y]ou have locally grown food accessible to everyone across the [District].”

The green symposium included several break-out sessions covering issues including renewable energy, construction and demolition, waste management, and LEED/green building standards. In the end, the Mayor’s sustainability plan and summits like this, hopes to “[U]se a strategic approach of job creation in the green economy to chip away the District’s overall unemployment,” shared Shane.

The writer is a lawyer and talk-show host in the District of Columbia and can be reached at Talib@talibkarim.com.

At a convention center that sits on Charlotte’s historic Martin Luther King Blvd, local and national luminaries gathered for a rally in conjunction with the 2012 Democratic National Committee Convention. Mayor Gray, who led the District of Columbia’s convention delegation, made news for footing his own expenses to attend the Democratic convention, came with a clear mission, he said — to advance the District while also campaigning for the President. “We want to convey that the people of the District of Columbia deserve the same rights as all other Americans,” said Mayor. The Mayor described the District’s current status, as “taxation without representation.” “We need to bring democracy to America. The best path to do that is clearly, in my opinion, is Barack Obama,” stated Gray. Even though the National Democratic party platform was conspicuously void of a statehood plank, the Mayor pointed out “It [the platform] does mention legislative autonomy and voting rights.” Further Mayor Gray noted that the Republican national platform included language that would even strip the District of rights, such as limits on gun laws and women’s reproductive health programs. Yet the Mayor stated affirmatively “We want statehood and I would love for the Democratic Platform to take that up and I look forward to working with my Democratic brethren to include that [in future platforms].” Gray’s optimism has won the Mayor, in his opinion, a “warm reception” from other convention delegates including mayors of other cities, even at a time when some in the District have yet to warm up to his administration. The Mayor believes his “cred” with other convention attendees springs from what he calls an appreciation of the challenges the District has faced and its ability to, nonetheless, achieve successes under his watch. Gray touts a record low homicide level, progress in education, and a $200 million surplus in the District as some of his achievements. Later that evening, the Mayor and other District leaders, are expected to share the spotlight with other democratic leaders to cast their official votes for Obama as their presidential nominee. When the Mayor takes the mic, he promises to deliver a simple message “that taxation without representation is one of the principles upon which this nation is founded and its ironic we pay the same taxes in the District of Columbia yet[are] denied the same rights.” Nationally syndicated writer and President Emeritus of North Carolina’s Bennett College Julianne Malveux was also among the other dignitaries in attendance for the Democratic Convention. Malveux said “This convention is exciting…as a Democrat I could not be more proud. However, I must say that I’ve been disappointed that the District of Columbia has not been treated fairly. We belong on the platform…The District is one of the most reliable Democratic votes and we deserve to be on the platform.” According to Malveux, she’s been a longtime resident of the District of Columbia and as such, “I feel disenfranchised every time I go to vote.” Malveux’s comments came on the heels of what many called an “electrifying” speech by Michelle Obama during the first night of the Democratic festivities in Charlotte. “Women, particularly women of color were completely uplifted by the speech,” noted Malveux. “What would Fannie Lou Mamer have thought,” asked Malveux, reflecting upon the legendary civil rights era leader who protested at the 1964 Democratic Party Convention in order for African American delegates from Mississippi to merely have the right to be seated. “She,” Malveux said of Mrs. Obama “is such a role model for our young women…intelligent, a mother, a wife, a help mate for her husband.” Reverend Jesse Jackson, who himself twice sought the Democrats nomination for President, in 1984 and 1988, reflected on the work yet to be done by his party. “We are facing amazing levels of poverty and violence,” noted Jackson. To tackle these problems, Jackson, called on his party to develop a program to focus on “violence, poverty, and urban reconstruction.” As the former Shadow Senator of the District of Columbia, Jackson lamented that the District, even after four years of an African American President, still lacks statehood and even a statehood plank in the Democratic platform. In the way of advice to Mayor Gray, Jackson, taking a note from his days of community organizing and mobilizing, advised Mayor Gray to “[C]ontinue to protest…Keep the issue visible.” And this advice appears to describe the focus of Mayor Gray and other District leaders who plan to continue pressing for full democracy for the people of the nation’s capital until they are victorious. District advocates like the Mayor have reason for optimism, pointing to the election of Obama as an example that in America, “anything is possible.” The writer is a lawyer and talk show host in the District of Columbia and can be reached at Talib@talibkarim.com.##

D.C. Mayor Gray welcomed scores of Muslim and non-Muslims to the Wilson Building, which he called “the people’s house,” for a RamadanIftar (Courtesy Photo/Lateef Magnum)

On Aug. 17, 2012, the last Friday of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray (D) hosted an Iftar dinner at the Wilson Building. Joining the Mayor in presenting this event was the D.C. Muslim Democratic Caucus along with a distinguished list of co-hosts including the Council on American Islamic Relations, the Red Toque Café, and Real Halal, LLC.

Iftar is an Arabic word, that literally means “breakfast.” Traditionally it’s known as the meal Muslims enjoy at sunset following a day of fasting. During Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, Muslims are obligated to avoid eating, drinking, and sexual relations from the early morning, when the sun begins to rise, until it sets. The fasting requirement is relaxed for those who are traveling, sick, and, for women, during menstruation.

Since the Islamic calendar is lunar based, the months rotate throughout the official calendar year. This year, Ramadan was observed during the summer, from late July to Aug. 18. As the first late-summer occurrence of Ramadan in forty years, Muslims were required to fast for upwards of 15 hours per day. Thus, the Iftar meal can be a big deal and is often celebrated along with family, neighbors, and friends.

With an estimated 10 percent to 20 percent of District residents having at least one Muslim family member, literally thousands of Iftar feasts were held in D.C. this Ramadan. These gatherings took place in homes, businesses, embassies, and even in government buildings like the White House. At the Iftar hosted by President Obama, he spoke about importance of religious freedom both here and globally, the strength of Muslim women, and the gains for Muslims over the past year since the Arab Spring.

A week after the president’s remarks at the White House, Gray at the Wilson Building Iftar observed, “Regardless of your race, culture or religious beliefs, the principles of fasting, reflection and discipline — which are upheld by the Muslim community year-round and especially in this season of Ramadan — are practices from which everyone can benefit.”

“We could all use a little more discipline,” Gray said, possibly referring to some who’ve called on the veteran politician to leave office early in light of the investigation into his successful 2010 campaign.

The mayor left his guests with a prayer. “I pray that this time of celebration will remind us that we can only advance as a city and as a nation together when each of us values the contributions of the other and respects their beliefs and their practices…[M]ay we all draw upon the strength of our diversity so that we can be closer, more effective and more powerful than any of the things that would otherwise tear us apart.”

The event drew over 100 Muslim business, religious, and political leaders along with distinguished non-Muslims like Franklin Garcia, chairman of the D.C. Latino Democratic Caucus. “I was pleased to see that the Muslim community was not only so well organized but they are a growing minority in the [District],” said Garcia. “You had a sense in the room that everyone was there for… a purpose that was very serious and meaningful. “The Latino community can learn from the Muslim community about the way they organized themselves,” Garcia added.

Garcia also had some words of wisdom for his Muslim hosts, who earlier in the Iftar program, observed that of the over 150 judges in D.C., not a single one is Muslim, while Maryland has at least two Muslims sitting as judges. “What you do is organize, organize,” to change this fact urged Garcia.

Several members of the Mayor’s cabinet attended his Iftar including DCRA Director Nick Majett; Interim Health Director Dr. Saul Levin and Ron Linton, chairman of the D.C. Taxicab Commission.

While not the first such Iftar hosted by a D.C. mayor, event organizers described the event as the first to be both widely publicized and attended.

Imam Talib Shareef, who leads one of the largest Muslim congregations in the District of Columbia, saluted the Mayor on hosting one of the best Iftars he’d attended throughout the month of fasting. “This Iftar was mainly for the common people,” said Imam Shareef. Concerning the Mayor’s political troubles, Imam Shareef said, “We support good works, the Mayor has done some good works and that’s what we see…like a ground breaking we attended for senior housing….We don’t pay as much attention to things we don’t see.” Imam Shareef’s advice for the Mayor was “[J]ust keep doing good works and… this [the Iftar] was an example of good works for the people.”

Sister Mary, as we’ll call her, is sharp-dressing, nice looking, and holds an MBA degree along with a six-figure position with the federal government.

An usher board member with a prominent church, Sister Mary recently added a new title, “ex-smoker,” she proudly professes.

“I got started young…and used to smoke a pack a day,” says Sister Mary, which according to the American Legacy Foundation can be as many as 25 cigarettes.“Two years ago, when my mom died, I cut back to three a day,” Sister Mary reflects. From then until just recently, Sister Mary explains “I would normally go onto my balcony and enjoy a cigarette along with a glass of red wine,” she adds.

In late July, a friend disclosed to Sister Mary that he could taste cigarettes in her skin and on her lips, even though it had been hours since she had last smoked. “That’s when I knew it was time for me to quit for good,” recounts Sister Mary.

The taste of cigarettes as described by Sister Mary’s friend is real according to Dr. Joseph Adams, MD, who specializes in internal and addiction medicine at Park West Health Systems in Baltimore, MD. “Kissing a smoker is like licking an ash tray,” says Dr. Adams, past president of the anti-smoking group, Smoke Free Maryland.

Dr. Adams also notes that smoking by mothers during pregnancy is widely understood to cause behavior problems and learning disabilities in their new born. The American Legacy Foundation recommends that since smoking can damage the DNA, it is “vitally important” for men and women alike who wish to have children to quit smoking at least several months prior to conception.

Women who smoke can also risk the health of those near them through second-hand smoking. The U.S Surgeon General estimates that living with a smoker increases the chance of getting lung cancer by 20% to 30%. Many studies show that secondhand smoke causes children to develop asthma, ear infections, and pneumonia in children.

In fact, some researchers suggest that even after a person gives up smoking, the toxins from past smoking that remain in a person’s hair and clothes or in carpet and furniture are hazardous to infants and children. Researchers describe this gradual buildup of toxins from secondhand smoke as “thirdhand smoke.”

While stats like these inspire women like Sister Mary to kick the habit annually, quitting smoking like ending a long relationship, is easier said than done, according to Dr. Adams. And that’s not by mistake, he adds.

A report by the National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine suggests conditions called “smoking withdrawal symptoms” are tied to nicotine, the highly addictive ingredient in cigarette smoke. According to the report, cigarette companies manipulate levels of nicotine in cigarettes to make sure that smokers become addicted.

Nicotine causes the brain to release chemicals that create feelings of pleasure, or the “buzz” which many smokers report. Within half an hour, the “buzz” fades away and the smoker is left feeling depressed and tired. This feeling is what causes smoker to light up the next cigarette. The cycle of stimulation and depression keeps repeating, which leads to addiction.

A person who plans to stop smoking can expect several withdrawal symptoms including headaches, nausea, and low blood pressure. In addition to physical symptoms, women should also be on guard for the emotional issues that often result from smoking withdrawal such as anxiety, trouble sleeping, and even hunger.

To cope with these issues, Dr. Krystal Stanley, Ph.D., a DC-based licensed psychologist offers patients a few techniques. Dr. Stanley recommends that those seeking to kick the habit should be prepared to address anxieties that may have caused them to start smoking in the first place.

For sleeping troubles and weight gain concerns, Dr. Stanley advises patients to (1) avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages up to five hours before bed; (2) spend an hour or so before bed to wind down, without TV, text messages, or other highly stimulating input; and finally (3) drink a warm, non-caffeinated beverage before bed such as warm milk or tea.

Beyond the withdrawal symptoms, since as Dr. Adams notes, over 4000 chemical compounds are created by burning a cigarette, many additives like nicotine can remain in the body long after you quit smoking.

The health web portal, primehealthchannel.com, suggests several steps for flushing your body of nicotine including drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water per day; consuming fruits containing antioxidants like Vitamin C; and regular and rigorous physical exercise.

Knowledge is one of the most potent weapons to help women leave cigarettes for good suggests Amber Bullock with the American Legacy Foundation.On this front Bullock’s organization offers a free hotline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) and a website where smokers can develop a personalized quit plan at www.BecomeAnEX.org.